#PROFspective

Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS​​ Story and photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major Story and photography by:Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major

Today, we speak with Brianna Donahue, a senior political science major from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County) who lives off campus. Brianna will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she gets the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.

On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? The busiest days include working at my job 9-5 pm, doing all of my coursework, being a member of my sorority, and job hunting since I’m graduating this semester.

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I was originally a journalism major before I took an American Government class and realized I wanted to pursue a career in public service. I was concerned about how switching my major would affect my graduation timeline, but I knew I wasn’t the only college student who has changed their path. I took a few summer and winter classes so I wouldn’t be behind and had my academic advisers helping me stay on track.

Brianna “touching” the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France during her winter abroad trip in 2017.

Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you. A moment that made me feel like Rowan was the right fit for me was the beginning of junior year. I had just joined a sorority, acquired an internship, and was also working full-time. I was also planning to study abroad in Europe that winter. I felt like I was finally achieving the goals I set for myself going into college.

Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges. At first, I was super excited for the transition into college. I was ready to be independent and start working toward my future. After a few months at my first college, I was crushed when I realized it wasn’t the right place for me. I knew I had two choices, to either stay and push through or leave and start fresh at a new university. I made the decision to leave and I’ve never looked back since. When I got to Rowan I immediately immersed myself into activities on campus. I joined Rowan Radio, was Assistant Arts Editor for The Whit, and joined a sorority.

What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college? There is currently a stigma that going to local universities or community college is not the ideal college experience. There is this idea that if you don‘t go away you won’t have the opportunity to experience the world or be successful. Even though I now know this isn’t true when I was a high school senior I felt the pressure of this in the back of my mind. I picked the school farthest away in an environment nothing like my current one because that‘s what I thought I was supposed to do. If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be to not pick a school for anyone but myself. I was too busy focusing on fitting the image, that I didn’t realize I wasn’t ready to go 8 hours from home. For some people going away is the fresh start that they need, but it wasn’t for me and that‘s okay. Transferring to Rowan allowed me to grow and succeed in ways I never imagined. I’ve studied abroad in Europe, held local, state, and federal internships, and met some of my best friends. The biggest lesson to be learned is that there is no one size fits all college experience and to choose a college that best helps you grow.

Today, we speak with Gatha Adhikari, a sophomore biomedical engineering major from Begnas Tal, Pokhara (Nepal), who lives at Holly Pointe Commons as a Resident Assistant. Gatha will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be an international Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.

How is Rowan welcoming to you? During the Flying First Symposium by Rowan’s Flying First Task Force for first generation college students, I was invited to speak on the panel to share my journey. To see the first generation alums and get their support made me feel welcomed and a sense of belonging.

Could you tell us a little bit about being a first generation college student? My family is back home in a small village in Nepal and were supportive to let me come here for my studies. Being first-gen is a point of pride in itself, but is also a big struggle. As a first-gen student, I am able to accomplish the dreams of my parents and inspire my community. I affirm for the young ones that they can live their dreams and achieve immense opportunities.

Tell us a little bit about the sacrifice that you and your family has made in order to make college a reality for you. My family and community have made a big emotional sacrifice to let me come to this foreign land and study while my other friends got married without finishing their education. While my family could have kept me home to assist them with their agriculture, they decided to let me fly away and be independent, which means a lot to me. I have left behind my friends and family who are very close to my heart, my traditions and festivities behind and work days and nights to make college a reality.

How do you feel your family will feel when they watch you walk across that graduation stage? I can imagine the tears of joy in the eyes of both my parents and brother when I finish my degree and graduate. They have dedicated their love and sacrificed so much to make it happen. My parents’ goal in life will be fulfilled when they see my accomplishments. My graduation ceremony will mean a lot.

What organization is most meaningful to you on campus? I work as a Resident Assistant (RA) for the Residential Learning and University Housing which means a lot to me. As a team, we strive to build communities within Rowan’s campus to provide the best possible residential life experience to Rowan students so they can find a home away from home here. The residents I lead are a part of an engineering learning community in Holly Pointe Commons.

Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges. Leaving everyone I knew and my home country behind when coming to Rowan has been a challenging journey. I have faced numerous obstacles along the way including financial difficulty, as I don’t get any financial aid for being an international student and it is hard to find scholarships I am eligible to apply for. I still have this problem, but I work hard, work on-campus and apply to every scholarship I can.

Today, we speak with Morgan Dean, a senior mechanical engineering major who rents a house off campus with friends. Morgan will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.

Name: Morgan DeanMajor:Mechanical EngineeringMinors or concentrations:Writing Arts, Mathematics; Bantivoglio Honors CollegeYear: SeniorHometown and County: Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County)Off-Campus resident: Yes, I live in a house on University Boulevard with my five roommates!Do you work on campus? If so, where/what do you do? I work as a tutor in the Rowan University Writing Center (in Campbell Library)

What wakes you up in the morning? The thrill of getting to do and/or learn something new. Also, I love to have my morning coffee while reading!

What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or research focus? I find that being a girl in engineering, especially one of the five or six in the MechE undergraduate program, is more advantageous than most realize. Additionally, although mechanical engineering tends to be associated with cars/engines/etc., the possibilities of post-undergraduate work are endless. You’re in no way tied down to any one field of work.

What is one thing this field has allowed you to do, that you either dreamed of doing or thought you’d never get to do? Through its interdisciplinary program, mechanical engineering sparked my interest in biomedical engineering. Although I once said I would never take another biology class again, I am now set to be a PhD Biomedical Engineering student come Fall 2019.

Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? The Rowan Writing Center has provided me with a sense of belonging ever since I began working there. The staff took me in immediately as family and I always feel a sense of peace while in the space.

Why Rowan?I have made some incredible student-professor relationships here which have shaped my future by unlocking my potential. Professors Dr. Staehle, and Dr. Merrill and Writing Center Director Celeste DelRusso have exposed me to new areas of research through the engineering clinic curriculum, summer programs, and professional development conferences. Additionally, I would never have been accepted to graduate school if it weren’t for these valuable connections I made.

Today, we speak with Brandon Ward, a junior radio, TV & film major from Oaklyn, NJ (Camden County), who lives on campus in Townhouses. Brandon will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan […]

Name: Michael Viola Majors: Marketing and Management dual major Year: Senior, Class of 2019 Hometown and County: Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) Resident: 220 Rowan Blvd. Academic and Social Clubs: I am currently the Student Body Vice President which means that I also have the privilege to serve as the Executive Vice President of the […]

Name: Kayla Vogel Major: Biological Sciences within the College of Science and Math.Year: Junior Transfer: Yes, Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) Hometown and County: Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County) Resident: Yes, 220 Rowan Blvd Social clubs: Generation Action and Outdoor Club What inspired you to choose your major? I have always been interested in the […]